UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit Kicks Off October 27, Backed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

Dubai's Ministry of Economy and Tourism is hosting the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit on October 27, bringing together over 350 leaders from the UAE and 53 African countries. The summit, backed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to build stronger economic ties and create new investment opportunities between the UAE and Africa's rapidly growing tourism sector.

The event takes place at Jumeirah City Hotel as part of the Global Hospitality Future Summit. It carries the theme "Building Bridges for Sustainable Growth" and focuses on practical collaboration between the two regions.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE's Minister of Economy and Tourism, will attend alongside more than 20 African ministers. The gathering includes government officials, investors, and business leaders who will discuss concrete ways to develop Africa's tourism infrastructure and investment potential.

Six discussion sessions will cover key topics like tourism growth opportunities, the role of tourism in driving African economic development, infrastructure investment strategies, global financing options for hospitality services, and how private sector involvement can shape Africa's tourism future.

A high-level ministerial roundtable will run alongside the main summit. This closed-door session will examine how tourism can serve as a primary engine for economic growth and sustainable development across Africa, while highlighting the UAE's successful tourism model.

The timing makes sense from an investment perspective. Africa's tourism market is expanding faster than most global destinations, with the hospitality sector growing over 13% annually. The continent now attracts more than 74 million international visitors each year, creating substantial opportunities for UAE businesses and investors.

The summit addresses several practical areas where UAE expertise could benefit African markets. These include tourism project financing, infrastructure development, hospitality services, and sustainable tourism practices that balance economic growth with environmental protection.

For the UAE, this represents an extension of its strategy to become a global tourism hub while expanding its economic influence across emerging markets. The country has successfully developed its own tourism sector and now wants to share that expertise while creating profitable partnerships.

African governments are particularly interested in learning from the UAE's approach to balancing rapid tourism development with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. Many African countries have significant tourism potential but lack the infrastructure and investment frameworks to fully capitalize on it.

The summit reflects broader economic trends showing increased cooperation between Gulf states and African nations. As traditional Western investment in Africa has plateaued, Middle Eastern countries are stepping in with capital and expertise, particularly in sectors like tourism where they have proven track records.